Reviewed · HORSES
Bali: Horse Riding & Turtle Release Experience at Saba Beach
Sea turtles and ocean air in one day sounds unlikely.
But this Bali outing strings together Saba Beach horses, a turtle release, a waterfall stop, and a coffee plantation visit in about 8 hours.
What I like most is the hands-on nature focus: you start at a sea turtle conservation center with education that leads directly into releasing baby turtles. I also like the pacing mix—real activity (horse riding and walking) plus time to cool off at a waterfall, not just photo stops.
One thing to factor in: the schedule can feel a bit tight, and horse riding has strict limits (including a weight cutoff).
In This Review
- Key Takeaways Before You Go
- A Day Built Around Sea Turtles and Beach Horses
- Turtle Conservation Center: Learning Before You Release
- Saba Beach Horse Riding: What the Ocean-Edge Ride Feels Like
- Lunch Break and Your Pace: Keep Energy for the Waterfalls
- Tegenungan or Kanto Lampo Waterfalls: Swimming, Stairs, and Photos
- Coffee Plantation Visit and the Bali Swing Optional Moment
- What $69 Really Buys: Package vs. Exclude, and the Value Check
- Include package (more predictable)
- Exclude package (more flexible)
- Booking offers worth noting
- Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip)
- My Booking Advice: Should You Book This Saba Beach Turtle and Horse Day?
- FAQ
- How long is the Bali horse riding and turtle release experience?
- Is the turtle release included, and do I get any certificate?
- If I choose the Exclude package, do I still ride horses?
- Are there weight or age limits for horse riding?
- Which waterfalls will I visit: Tegenungan or Kanto Lampo?
- Is lunch included in the price?
- What happens at the coffee plantation stop, and is the Bali swing included?
- Where do pickups and drop-offs happen?
- What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?
Key Takeaways Before You Go

- Turtle release experience starts with conservation education and ends with you releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean.
- Saba Beach horseback ride is shoreline-focused with a safety briefing and coastal views.
- You’ll likely choose between Tegenungan and Kanto Lampo depending on the plan for the day, with different time and energy levels.
- Coffee plantation + optional Bali swing adds a fun cultural stop after the outdoor action.
- Private-group transport with a professional guide helps the day run smoothly, and you might meet guides like Ajik or Nyoman.
- Package choice changes your costs (horse ride ticket and lunch are included in the Include option, not the Exclude one).
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A Day Built Around Sea Turtles and Beach Horses

This isn’t a slow, sit-and-stare Bali day. It’s a practical, mixed itinerary that hits four different kinds of experiences: wildlife education, coastal adventure, waterfall time, and a food/drink culture stop.
That combination matters if you’re the type who gets bored on tours that feel like checklists. Here, you’re doing things: learning, releasing, riding, walking, and tasting. It also gives you a better chance of getting something memorable even if the weather shifts, since alternatives or rescheduling can happen.
The outing runs about 8 hours and is offered as a private group with a professional driver and guide. Based on guide names shared in the experience descriptions (Ajik, Nyoman, Putra, Wayan, and Eddie come up), the guiding style often leans toward informative, organized, and photo-friendly. One driver, Ajik, is specifically praised for taking photos and being warm and helpful.
Turtle Conservation Center: Learning Before You Release

The day starts at the Turtle Conservation Center, where you get the background you need before the emotional part: releasing baby sea turtles. You’ll learn about sea turtle protection efforts and get a clear explanation of the life cycle and why these releases matter.
Then you do the activity itself. You’re not just watching. You participate in the release of baby sea turtles and receive an activity ticket with a certificate. In one described experience, the center even explained how it runs largely on donations and volunteer work—so the “why” isn’t vague.
A couple practical points to set expectations:
- Season affects releases. Turtle nesting season is April to August, and releases typically run between April and November, varying with availability. If you’re outside that window, you may not get the same release outcome.
- This is wildlife work, not a theme-park moment. The tone tends to be educational and conservation-focused. You’ll want to listen closely and follow instructions during the release.
If you care about ethical wildlife experiences, this is the strongest part of the itinerary. It turns a wildlife subject you’ve seen on documentaries into something active and real, with context first.
Saba Beach Horse Riding: What the Ocean-Edge Ride Feels Like

After the conservation stop, you head to the Saba Beach area for a visit to the horse stable. There’s a safety briefing, and then the ride itself is the main event: a serene horseback experience along the shoreline with ocean views and sea breeze.
This is one of those Bali activities that feels simple until you’re on the horse. The descriptions of the experience lean toward calm and scenic rather than chaotic, which is a good match if you want something more “Bali coast” than “industrial tourism.”
A few details you’ll be glad to know beforehand:
- Horse riding is included only with the Include package. If you choose the Exclude option, the riding ticket is your own expense.
- You need to meet the weight limit. People weighing more than 90 kg (about 198 lbs) can’t participate for safety reasons. One experience also highlights that weight checks should be done consistently, not just on certain riders.
- Riders use helping steps. The stable has steps that make mounting and getting on/off easier.
- Horse care is mentioned. In one described experience, the guides explained that each horse goes out up to 4 times per day, and you can feed horses carrots after the ride.
You’ll likely come out of this part with that rare travel memory: not just a photo, but a physical feeling—salt air, coastal horizon, and the steady rhythm of a shore ride.
Lunch Break and Your Pace: Keep Energy for the Waterfalls

After horses, there’s time for a local restaurant lunch. The itinerary includes a proper break window, and you can choose from Western, Asian, Indonesian, and Balinese dishes.
The value here depends on your package:
- Include package: lunch cost is covered.
- Exclude package: you pay your own meal.
Either way, I’d treat lunch as your energy reset. You’ll be walking at the waterfall(s), and coffee-tasting plus an optional swing can add extra time on your feet. If you’re heat-sensitive, use the lunch break to cool down and slow your breathing before the next hike.
One described experience specifically calls out lunch as delicious at a place named Sangam. Whether your exact restaurant differs, the structure stays the same: a real meal, not a snack stop.
Tegenungan or Kanto Lampo Waterfalls: Swimming, Stairs, and Photos

The tour then heads to a waterfall stop, either Tegenungan or Kanto Lampo. Which one you get is part of the plan for the day, and the time you spend can differ.
Here’s what to expect in a practical sense:
- Tegenungan: expect about 1.5 hours, including guided sightseeing and walking. This option is described with time to relax, swim, and take photos in lush surroundings.
- Kanto Lampo: expect about 1 hour with a guided visit. This one is often busy, and there can be professional photo opportunities for donations, with options for pictures from higher spots. There are also stairs, so you’ll want comfy footwear.
So which should you prefer? If you want more time to cool off and take your time, the Tegenungan-style stop fits better. If you prefer a quicker waterfall hit with guided guidance, Kanto Lampo can work well.
Either way, treat this as a “make the most of the daylight” stop. Waterfall areas can get crowded and the sun changes quickly, so if photos matter to you, go early in the time window and keep a watch on your group timing.
Coffee Plantation Visit and the Bali Swing Optional Moment

After the waterfalls, the day ends with a coffee plantation visit. This is short—about 45 minutes—but it’s structured: a guided tour, some free time, and a chance for shopping and tasting.
You’ll learn about traditional coffee-making processes and sample Bali’s coffee. If you enjoy food and drink culture (not just scenery), this is a good wrap-up. It also feels like a calmer transition after the active parts of the day.
There’s also an optional Bali swing, and the coffee shop stop ties into that. In at least one described experience, someone mentions chatting over coffee with Ajit, which shows the interaction can feel more personal than scripted.
If you’re deciding in advance, my practical advice is this: if you want one “fun photo moment,” do the swing. If you’re more focused on nature and movement, you may skip it and use the remaining time to stretch and shop slowly.
What $69 Really Buys: Package vs. Exclude, and the Value Check
At around $69 per person for roughly 8 hours, the key question is what’s included. This tour offers two ways to handle costs:
Include package (more predictable)
You get:
- Turtle Conservation & Release activity (with ticket and certificate)
- Horse riding ticket at the Saba Beach stable
- Lunch at the local restaurant
- Waterfall entrance fee covered
This option is best if you don’t want surprise add-ons mid-day. It also makes it easier to keep your budget stable if you’re traveling as a couple or family.
Exclude package (more flexible)
You get:
- Turtle release activity covered
- Waterfall entrance fee covered
- Horse riding ticket is at your own expense
- Lunch is at your own expense
This works if you plan to skip horse riding (or if you’re deciding day-of). Just be aware that once you’re at the stable, you may feel tempted to ride anyway, so the “savings” might disappear fast.
Booking offers worth noting
The experience also includes travel insurance coverage during the tour, small refreshments, and private hotel transfers with a professional driver and guide. There’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, plus a reserve now & pay later option.
One more practical perk: ticket lines are handled (you don’t have to manage every entry step yourself).
Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This outing is a strong fit for people who want Bali to feel active and meaningful in the same day.
You’ll likely love it if you’re:
- An eco-minded traveler who wants education that leads into a conservation action
- A nature lover who doesn’t mind warm outdoor walking and time in the elements
- A couple or small private group that wants a calmer pace than big group tours
- A family looking for kid-friendly education, since the turtle and nature focus is central
But it’s not for everyone. Based on the information provided, it’s not suitable for:
- People with mobility impairments
- Babies under 1 year
- People over 70 years
- People weighing more than 90 kg (horse riding is not allowed)
- People over 91 kg is also listed as a limit for participation
If you’re traveling with anyone near the weight threshold, plan ahead. Don’t assume the staff will handle exceptions—safety rules are part of the process here.
Also, it’s a private group with hotel pickup included in South Bali areas. If you’re staying outside the covered zone, you can still be picked up for an additional transport fee, coordinated with the driver/guide.
My Booking Advice: Should You Book This Saba Beach Turtle and Horse Day?

If your idea of a great Bali day includes real nature and real activity, I’d book it. The turtle portion gives the day meaning, the horse ride gives it motion and scenery, and the waterfall + coffee stop prevent the day from turning into one long “workshop.”
I’d especially book if:
- You’re traveling during April to November when releases are more likely
- You want a private, guided day that runs on someone else’s schedule
- You’re comfortable with walking, stairs (especially at Kanto Lampo), and time outdoors
I might skip or choose a different experience if:
- You’re outside the turtle release season and you’d be disappointed by a no-release scenario
- You need a slower, less timed day
- Horse riding is a must, but you or your group could hit weight limits
For the price, the best value is in the Include package, because it covers horse riding and lunch along with the conservation release and waterfall entrance. If you want a more budget-managed day, the Exclude option can work, but only if you’re truly comfortable paying separately for lunch and riding.
In short: this is a thoughtful, active Bali day built around conservation and coastal beauty. If that combo sounds like your kind of travel, it’s a solid choice.
FAQ
How long is the Bali horse riding and turtle release experience?
The tour duration is about 8 hours.
Is the turtle release included, and do I get any certificate?
Yes. The tour includes a visit to the Turtle Conservation Center and the release activity, and it comes with an activity ticket and certificate.
If I choose the Exclude package, do I still ride horses?
You can, but the horse riding ticket is not included in the Exclude package. If you choose the Include package, the horse riding ticket is covered.
Are there weight or age limits for horse riding?
Yes. Guests weighing more than 90 kg (about 198 lbs) cannot participate in horse riding. The experience is also listed as not suitable for babies under 1 year and people over 70 years.
Which waterfalls will I visit: Tegenungan or Kanto Lampo?
You’ll visit one of the two: Tegenungan or Kanto Lampo. The plan is described as either choice, with Tegenungan taking about 1.5 hours and Kanto Lampo about 1 hour.
Is lunch included in the price?
It depends on the package. In the Include package, lunch at a local restaurant is included. In the Exclude package, lunch expenses are not included.
What happens at the coffee plantation stop, and is the Bali swing included?
You’ll get a guided tour of the coffee plantation and coffee tasting, plus some free time for shopping and sightseeing. The Bali swing is described as optional.
Where do pickups and drop-offs happen?
Pickup and drop-off are included for all South Bali areas. If you’re staying outside the covered zone, pickup may still be possible with an additional transport fee that you coordinate with the driver/guide.
What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?
Bring comfortable clothes, flip-flops, cash, personal medication, and an ID card (a copy is accepted). A garbage bag is also suggested. Pets are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle are also not allowed.
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